Royal Canin and Hill's Science Diet are two of the most veterinary-recommended premium dog food brands. Both prioritize science-based nutrition, but they have different specialties and approaches. Here's how they compare.
Brand Overview
Royal Canin
- Founded: 1968 (France)
- Headquarters: Aimargues, France
- Philosophy: Precise, tailored nutrition
- Parent Company: Mars, Inc.
- Price Point: Premium to luxury
- Specialty: Breed-specific formulas
Hill's Science Diet
- Founded: 1939
- Headquarters: Topeka, Kansas
- Philosophy: Clinical nutrition science
- Parent Company: Colgate-Palmolive
- Price Point: Premium
- Specialty: Therapeutic nutrition (Prescription Diet)
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Royal Canin | Hill's Science Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Price Range | $$$ - $$$$ | $$$ |
| Breed-Specific | Yes (extensive) | No |
| Prescription Lines | Yes | Yes (industry leader) |
| Made in USA | Mixed | Yes |
| Research Focus | Tailored nutrition | Therapeutic nutrition |
Ingredient Philosophy
Royal Canin
Approach:
- Precision nutrition for specific needs
- Custom kibble shapes for different breeds
- Nutrients over ingredient marketing
- May include by-products for nutrition
- Functional ingredient selection
Focus:
- Breed-specific needs
- Size-appropriate nutrition
- Condition management
- Palatability optimization
Hill's Science Diet
Approach:
- Clinically proven formulations
- Feeding trial tested
- Ingredients for function
- Strong therapeutic focus
- Research-driven development
Focus:
- Clinical outcomes
- Therapeutic nutrition
- Weight management
- Health condition support
Unique Specialties
Royal Canin: Breed-Specific Nutrition
Unmatched breed-specific line:
- German Shepherd
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Bulldog
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Poodle
- Boxer
- And 20+ more breeds
Features:
- Kibble shape for jaw type
- Nutrients for breed predispositions
- Tailored protein and fat levels
Hill's: Prescription Diet Leadership
Industry-leading therapeutic line:
- z/d (food sensitivities)
- i/d (digestive health)
- k/d (kidney care)
- j/d (joint care)
- w/d (weight/diabetes)
- c/d (urinary care)
- Many more condition-specific formulas
Most comprehensive veterinary therapeutic line in the industry.
Product Lines
Royal Canin
- Breed Health Nutrition: 20+ breed-specific
- Size Health Nutrition: X-Small to Giant
- Canine Care Nutrition: Digestive, Sensitive, etc.
- Veterinary Diet: Prescription formulas
Hill's Science Diet
- Adult: Standard maintenance
- Perfect Weight: Weight management
- Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Sensitivities
- Oral Care: Dental health
- Size-Specific: Small Paws, Large Breed
- Prescription Diet: Extensive therapeutic line
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Royal Canin: 23-28% (varies significantly by formula)
- Hill's Science Diet: 21-26%
- Similar ranges, tailored to purpose
Fat Content
- Royal Canin: 14-18%
- Hill's Science Diet: 13-16%
- Similar ranges
Approach Difference
- Royal Canin: Tailors to specific breed/size
- Hill's: Tailors to health outcome
Price Comparison
Average Cost (25-30 lb bag)
- Royal Canin Size Health: $70-85
- Hill's Science Diet Adult: $65-75
- Royal Canin Breed-Specific: $75-95
- Hill's Perfect Weight: $70-80
Prices are similar, with Royal Canin breed-specific formulas at the higher end.
Veterinary Perspective
Both are top-tier veterinary recommendations:
Royal Canin
- Highly trusted by vets
- Excellent for breed-specific needs
- Strong therapeutic line
- Global veterinary partnerships
Hill's Science Diet
- Perhaps the most vet-recommended brand
- Prescription Diet is gold standard
- Decades of clinical trust
- Extensive veterinary education programs
Both brands invest heavily in veterinary relationships and education.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Royal Canin If:
- You have a specific breed with known issues
- Breed-specific nutrition appeals to you
- Your dog has specific size-related needs
- Custom kibble shapes interest you
- Your vet recommends for your breed
Choose Hill's Science Diet If:
- You may need therapeutic diets
- Weight management is a priority
- Clinical nutrition focus appeals to you
- You trust the veterinary gold standard
- Your dog has health conditions
For Specific Breeds
Royal Canin Clear Advantage
If you have breeds like:
- French Bulldogs (breathing, digestion)
- German Shepherds (digestion, joints)
- Golden Retrievers (skin, weight)
- Bulldogs (flat face, digestion)
Royal Canin's breed-specific formulas directly address these concerns.
For Health Conditions
Hill's Prescription Diet Advantage
For conditions like:
- Kidney disease (k/d)
- Severe allergies (z/d)
- Diabetes/weight (w/d)
- Joint issues (j/d)
Hill's Prescription Diet is often the first choice for therapeutic nutrition.
Our Verdict
For Breed-Specific Needs
Royal Canin excels with:
- Comprehensive breed-specific line
- Tailored kibble engineering
- Breed predisposition targeting
For Therapeutic Nutrition
Hill's leads with:
- Most comprehensive prescription line
- Decades of clinical research
- Veterinary gold standard status
Both Are Excellent
These represent the pinnacle of science-based pet nutrition. Your choice depends on whether breed-specific or therapeutic focus better serves your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more vet-recommended?
Both are highly recommended. Hill's may have slight edge in overall vet recommendations due to Prescription Diet dominance. Royal Canin is often preferred for breed-specific needs.
Is Royal Canin worth the breed-specific premium?
For breeds with known health predispositions (French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, etc.), the tailored nutrition may be worth it. For breeds without specific concerns, Hill's or standard Royal Canin may be sufficient.
Which has better quality control?
Both have excellent quality control. Hill's has strong US manufacturing focus. Royal Canin has global quality standards. Both have had occasional recalls but maintain high standards.
Can my dog transition between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Both are premium quality, and most dogs adapt well with proper transition.
Which is better for sensitive stomachs?
Both have excellent sensitive stomach options. Hill's Sensitive Stomach & Skin is clinically formulated. Royal Canin Digestive Care is also highly effective. Either works well.